In our ongoing campaign at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Africa Qualifier in Nairobi, the Nigeria Netball Federation (NNF) proudly commends the Green Hawks for their resilience during Sunday’s demanding fixture against Uganda’s She Cranes. While the 68-30 scoreline favored the world’s sixth-ranked and already World Cup-bound East African side, the NNF recognizes this encounter as a vital developmental crucible for our rapidly evolving national program.
Stepping onto the court a mere 24 hours after making history against host nation Kenya, our newly assembled squad faced top-tier global opposition. For the NNF, securing high-stakes competitive minutes against an established global powerhouse is precisely the blueprint required to elevate Nigerian netball. We are not merely competing; we are systematically closing the experiential gap between our debutant squad and the highest echelons of the sport.
Our athletes and technical staff were profoundly honored by the in-person support of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Danlami Ibrahim. His presence in the stands delivered a significant psychological boost to the Green Hawks, reinforcing the immense diplomatic and national pride attached to Nigeria’s pioneering status as the first West African nation to contest the Africa Netball Cup.
The NNF operates with a clear, long-term strategic vision. Nairobi represents the foundational stage of our journey, where immediate results are secondary to the invaluable tactical intelligence our players are acquiring quarter by quarter.
With the opening weekend behind us, our operational focus shifts immediately to the next phase of our Pool 2 schedule. The Green Hawks return to the court today, Monday, September 21, for a decisive test against Malawi, before concluding this stage against Zambia on Tuesday, September 22. The Nigeria Netball Federation remains steadfast in its backing as our athletes continue to absorb elite-level experience, adapt their game, and proudly carry the Nigerian flag on the continental stage.
